According to the EPA, the rules clarify which waterways fall under federal protection. Landowners say the rule will be burdensome because it will require more permits. Lawsuits to block the regulations are pending across the country; Wisconsin has a federal lawsuit in Georgia.

A federal judge Thursday blocked the regulations from taking effect, but the EPA maintains that injunction is valid in only 13 states. The agency plans to implement the rules in the remaining states, including Wisconsin.

Schimel said in a statement Friday that well-established precedent shows the injunction affects all 50 states and he expects Wisconsin and other states will seek clarification that the ruling applies nationwide.